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Rockies named Topps Organization of the Year

Rockies named Topps Organization of the Year

9/28/13: Nolan Arenado powers a double to center, scoring Troy Tulowitzki with the first run of the ballgame in the top of the fourth inning

By Thomas Harding
/
MLB.com |

DENVER -- The strong performance of players throughout the Minor League system in 2013 earned the Rockies their first Topps Organization of the Year Award.

The award is given annually to the team that, according to Topps, a company forever connected to the sport because of its baseball trading cards and memorabilia, "has shown outstanding performance, depth and talent throughout their Major and Minor League teams." It is based on points given for the number of players in the organization that have received Topps awards during the season in various Minor and Major League rookie categories. The trophy was presented to the club during the recent Winter Meetings.

"It shows what happens when there's a lot of good work from a lot of different parts of the organization, and on the part of the players," said Jeff Bridich, the Rockies' player development director. "This type of award, when the players are recognized publicly for their achievements, is wonderful, and it starts with them. It wouldn't be possible without the dedication and work and performance on the field.

"Also, this trophy points to our scouts, amateur and professional scouts before those players are even part of our organization, making recommendations on these types of players. And what a credit to our staff -- managers, coaches, trainers, everyone else involved day-to-day with these kids, to make sure they develop and play through the tough times that any season can put before them. Our development staff is there day in and day out, and they make a difference in these players' lives once they are in our system."

Rockies owner, chairman and CEO Dick Monfort highlighted the award in a letter to season-ticket holders:

"Needless to say we are very proud of this and we have a lot of talented players throughout our system," Monfort wrote. "Our job now is to turn those players into wins and championships and that is exactly what we plan to do."